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Tim Holcomb, 47

Tim Holcomb, 47 of Kearney, passed away Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Online condolences or personal reflections may be submitted at www.osrfh.com. O'Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.Timothy was born on September 14, 1964 in Loup City, NE to Doug and Donette (Lewandowski) Holcomb as the 5th child of a large, Polish-Catholic family. He grew up in Arcadia and attended Arcadia Public School. He graduated in 1982 and then went to Kearney State College. In May 2010 he received a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and showed his friends and family the power of hard work and determination.On June 29, 1985 he married Dianne Quinn in Burwell and they lived in Arcadia where their daughter Kirbie joined them. Their 2nd daughter Jessie was born while living in Grand Island. Career changes took the family to Columbus, Hastings, Loup City and back to Kearney in 2005. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion and enjoyed outdoor hunting sports, camping, gardening, fishing and his Vizslas. He was a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers with his publishing company.Tim was a seasoned, authentic country performer who shared the stage with some of the biggest names in country music. He exuded the perfect mix of professionalism and approachability that endeared him to a loyal fan base or anyone who saw and heard him for the first time. Tim's appreciation for life could be heard in his music. He recorded Cowboy on the Run at Willie Nelson's famous Pedernales Studios in Austin, TX and it achieved international success in Europe. He shared that gift just as the Lord wanted him to and his music has touched people across the nation and around the world. In addition to sharing beautiful music, he used his voice to help those less fortunate, becoming involved in fundraising for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.It was because of his music that he began a new career with Professional Bull Riding and made acquaintances who became friends from performances across the state and nation. He was instrumental in twice taking a PBR bull riding to Fairbanks and Anchorage, AK. Recently he decreased his involvement and was only doing the production and provided sound at a select few bull riding events. He had provided assistance to Justin McBride's cologne deal and had plans to develop new distribution sites.He was employed by Goodwill Industries thru the Buffalo County Probation Office as a Group Facilitator and Cognitive Behavioral Change Journaling Specialist until November 2011. He was trained in Breaking Barriers Journaling Therapy and Financial Peace Facilitator to assisting probation participants that are at high risk and repeat offenders.Tim was diagnosed with Chronic Myloid Leukemia on 05/12/2003. He faced the grotesque cancer monster with grace and trust in God's plan for his life. He was on chemotherapy for 9 years until his leukemia became stronger, resistant to the different drugs and formed mutations. A stem cell transplant from his brother Kevin occurred on Valentine's Day but the CML relapsed. He was inspired to return to his music career, promoting western events, song writing and spending time with his 1st grandson Noah. Even at his lowest, he taught us trust, courage, hope, love and acceptance. He entered into his battle with cancer not knowing the outcome, he trusted God. Tim was an amazing person with gifted talent and his legacy lives on in numerous ways and music that will continue to touch hearts. He remains vibrant through immediate family, God children, extended family, partners, co-workers, UNMC medical staff that provided care, fans and the many, many friends whose lives he touched.Survivors include his wife, Dianne Holcomb of Kearney; daughters, Kirbie Swanson and husband, David of Kearney; Jessie Holcomb of Kearney; grandson, Noah Swanson of Kearney; parents, Doug and Donette Holcomb of Arcadia; brothers, Steve Holcomb and wife, Denise of Arcadia, Kevin Holcomb and Cheryl of Arcadia, Terry Holcomb and wife, Stephanie of Grand Island, Todd Holcomb and wife, Tammy of Cairo, Craig Holcomb and wife, Amy of Gibbon; sisters, Michelle Hickman and husband, Doug of Arcadia, Chris and Lenny Beall of North Platte; Many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; mother-in-law, Frances Quinn of Burwell; brothers-in-law, Gary, David and John Quinn.